Bethea (knee) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site, head coach Bruce Arians said Bethea and Budda Baker (thigh), who were both held out Wednesday, should practice in some capacity Thursday. That should clear up most of the concern about either safety's availability for Sunday's game against the Redskins, with both set to see ample snaps in the contest. Since supplying a season-high 11 tackles in a Week 7 win over the Rams, Bethea's production has dropped off considerably. He hasn't produced more than five tackles or generated a turnover in any of the Cardinals' past six contests.

Bethea secured five solo tackles, including one sack, during Thursday's 22-16 loss to the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

The early departure of Tyvon Branch with what was eventually deemed a torn ACL allowed Bethea a season-high share (92.1 percent) of the defensive snaps. Bethea proceeded to record his first sack since the 2015 season and his second-most tackles of the current campaign. That said, Bethea's usage ranged from 58.3 to 85 percent of the snaps on defense in the first eight games of the season, so rookie Budda Baker (a team-high nine tackles on 69.8 percent of those snaps Thursday) may be the greatest beneficiary of Branch's absence.

Bethea posted 11 tackles (10 solo) and a pass breakup Sunday against the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

The 33-year-old safety has been playing the No. 3 role behind Tyvon Branch and Tyrann Mathieu this season, but in Week 7 he logged a season-high 68 defensive snaps as the Cardinals tried getting creative with their defensive scheme. Bethea's 11 tackles proves he still has what it takes at his age, but unless this snap count becomes consistent, this performance likely won't be replicated.

Bethea and the Cardinals have reached agreement on a three-year contract, Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Released by the 49ers on Tuesday, the 32-year-old Bethea didn't need much time to find a new home in the NFC West. He'll likely be replacing Tony Jefferson, who had 96 tackles in 15 games last season, and is now expected to sign with the Ravens, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Bethea topped 100 tackles last season for the first time since accomplishing the feat in each year from 2010 to 2013. Heading into his 12th professional season, he's still a solid starter and an IDP asset.

Bethea was released by the 49ers on Tuesday, Joe Fann of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea spent the past three seasons in the bay, starting in 29 games for the 49ers. He ended his 2016 campaign with a team-high 141 tackles, an interception, and three pass defensed. The 32-year-old has proven he still has something left in the tank and should draw interest from several teams during free agency.

Bethea finished the 2016 campaign with 110 tackles (95 solo) and an interception.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea had a renaissance year for the 49ers, finishing above 100 tackles for the first time since 2013. Never known for his ball-hawking abilities, the veteran safety brings value through his ability to rack up tackles. The increased tackle total can be attributed to good health (started all 16 games) and opposing teams running the ball heavily against San Francisco. Barring major offseason changes, the 49ers are likely to face a barrage of runs again next season, making Bethea a quality IDP target.

Bethea logged 10 tackles (nine solo) in Sunday's loss to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

With the 49ers being decimated by injuries, Bethea actually logged a handful of snaps at inside linebacker Sunday. While the brief position change may have helped his tackle totals, the veteran safety was doing enough on his own to put up solid IDP totals in 2016. With two games left on the schedule, Bethea needs just four tackles to reach the century mark for the first time in a 49ers' uniform.

Bethea recorded a team-high nine tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 23-20 loss to Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea has been eating up tackles while NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) has been sidelined. His 62 tackles through nine games have him on pace to finish above the century mark for the first time in a 49ers' uniform. He currently leads the team in total tackles and ranks in the top 10 among NFL safeties in that category.

Bethea led all 49er defenders with nine tackles (eight solo) in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Bethea was cleaning up tackles in the secondary after San Francisco's front seven failed to stop Tampa Bay's collection of free agent running backs. This could be a growing trend heading down the stretch, as the 49ers' defense has surrendered a 100-plus yard rusher in six consecutive games. With 47 tackles through seven games, Bethea could break the 100-tackle mark for the first time in red and gold.

Bethea led the 49ers with 12 tackles (11 solo) in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

EDGE Analysis

With Dez Bryant (knee) sidelined, Bethea was used closer to the line of scrimmage and it resulted in a season-high in tackles. He has turned in alternating strong and weak tackle totals through four games, good for 28 tackles and an interception which should be considered solid production from a safety. If Carson Palmer (concussion) does not play this Thursday, then you can expect similar usage from Bethea as the 49ers try to combat David Johnson's heavy usage.